JPH1184361A - Liquid crystal display - Google Patents

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] To achieve low power consumption, enable bright white display and dark black display, secure high contrast, and achieve high image quality. A transparent substrate having a transparent electrode and a counter substrate having a plurality of pixel electrodes and a switching element for driving the pixel electrodes have a predetermined gap so that the transparent electrode and the pixel electrode face each other. A liquid crystal layer is interposed in the gap, and a quarter-wave retardation layer, a fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer, and a light absorption layer are sequentially arranged on the back side of the pixel electrode. It is preferable that the liquid crystal layer is made of a nematic liquid crystal, and a polarizing plate is provided on the external light incident side. Preferably, the liquid crystal layer is made of a guest-host liquid crystal. In any case, the liquid crystal is preferably a negative nematic liquid crystal having negative anisotropy. Further, the light absorbing layer may be formed of a light absorbing material or a quarter-wave retardation layer and a polarizing plate.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device having one or less polarizing plates, high contrast, and high image quality.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A liquid crystal display (hereinafter, referred to as an LCD).
Are characterized by being lightweight, thin, and low in power consumption, and are widely used from small ones for electronic calculators and watches to large ones for word processors and personal computers.

In the future, the LCD is expected to be used as a display device for a portable information terminal (Personal Data Assist, hereinafter referred to as PCD). In order to use it as a display device for this PCD, further reduction in weight and thickness is required,
It is required to reduce power consumption so that long-time driving by a battery or the like is possible. As a display device capable of responding to such a demand, a reflective LCD has been receiving attention.

The above-mentioned reflection type LCD uses two polarizing plates and a twisted nematic liquid crystal (hereinafter referred to as TN liquid crystal) or a super twisted nematic liquid crystal (hereinafter referred to as STN liquid crystal). No. This reflection type LCD is configured by sandwiching a liquid crystal layer made of TN liquid crystal or STN liquid crystal between two polarizing plates, and including a reflecting plate on one side thereof.

[0005] As a reflection type LCD, there is a type using one polarizing plate and a TN liquid crystal or an STN liquid crystal. This reflective LCD is a TN liquid crystal or STN liquid crystal.
A polarizing plate is provided on one side of a liquid crystal layer made of liquid crystal, and a reflector is provided on the opposite side. In a reflection type LCD using one polarizing plate, HAN (Hybrid A) is used.
OCB (Opt)
iCally Compensated Bend) liquid crystals can also be used.

Further, as a reflection type LCD, a guest-host (hereinafter, referred to as GH) is used.
There is also a method to which the method is applied. This GH method is based on 2
The color dye (Guest) is dissolved in the liquid crystal (Host), and the alignment direction of the dye molecules is simultaneously changed by controlling the liquid crystal molecule alignment with an electric field, and the display is made using the change in absorbance due to the dichroism. It does not require a polarizing plate. Specifically, Phase using phase transition
The Change-GH method (hereinafter, referred to as PC-GH method), the Chiral Nematic-GH method (hereinafter, referred to as CN-GH method) in which the hysteresis problem is solved by taking advantage of the GH method, and the alignment of the liquid crystal is random. Having an a-N ^* -GH system, which enables gradation expression without hysteresis by orienting the liquid crystal, a λ / 4-GH system using a quarter-wave plate, and three GH liquid crystal layers. Layer GH method and the like.

[0007]

By the way, in the above-mentioned reflection type liquid crystal display device using two polarizing plates, the incident light passes through the polarizing plate four times before being emitted. That is, 70% of the incident light is
It is said that% is absorbed without being used for display, the brightness is insufficient, and colorization is difficult.

On the other hand, among the above-mentioned reflection type liquid crystal display devices using one polarizing plate, it is possible to reduce the absorption by the polarizing plate and improve the brightness.

Further, among the above-mentioned reflection type liquid crystal display devices,
Even in the case of using the GH method without using a polarizing plate, the brightness is similarly secured.

Therefore, Table 1 summarizes the characteristics of the reflection type liquid crystal display device using the GH system without using one polarizing plate and using the one polarizing plate.

[0011]

[Table 1]

In Table 1, the brightness, contrast, gradation display, response speed, and viewing angle are evaluated on a three-point scale, with 良好 being very good, ○ being good.
A case where there is no practical problem is indicated by a triangle.

As can be seen from Table 1, the reflection type liquid crystal display device using the GH system has a brightness (here, white display).
Is very good. However, the GH method is not sufficiently reliable.

It is difficult to fully satisfy all the characteristics of other reflection type liquid crystal display devices.

Since simple matrix driving is possible if STN liquid crystal is used, a reflection type liquid crystal display device using one polarizing plate and using STN liquid crystal has attracted attention. However, this reflection type liquid crystal display device has
The arrangement of liquid crystal molecules is twisted by 180 ° to 270 ° to ensure high contrast, and there is a disadvantage that image quality and response speed are not very good.

Further, in the above-mentioned reflection type liquid crystal display device, high contrast (10 or more) such as newsprint or printed matter is required, and it is necessary to display bright white and dark black. Although high reflectivity and low reflectivity during black display are required, it is difficult to achieve the above-described reflective liquid crystal device.

Accordingly, the present invention has been proposed in view of the above situation, and has achieved low power consumption, a bright white display and a dark black display, a high contrast, and a high image quality. It is an object of the present invention to provide a reflection-type liquid crystal display device which achieves the realization.

[0018]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a liquid crystal display device according to the present invention comprises a transparent substrate on which a transparent electrode is formed, a plurality of pixel electrodes, and a switching element for driving the pixel electrodes. Having a counter substrate formed, the transparent substrate and the counter substrate are arranged with a predetermined gap such that the transparent electrode and the pixel electrode face each other, and a liquid crystal layer is interposed in the gap. A quarter-wave retardation layer, a fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer, and a light absorption layer are sequentially disposed on the back side of the pixel electrode.

In the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, it is preferable that the liquid crystal layer is made of a nematic liquid crystal, and a polarizing plate is provided on the side of the external light incident side. Examples of the nematic liquid crystal include a positive nematic liquid crystal having positive anisotropy and a negative nematic liquid crystal having negative anisotropy. The positive nematic liquid crystal having the positive anisotropy has an advantage that the reliability is relatively good and the manufacturing apparatus currently used can be used. On the other hand, the negative nematic liquid crystal having the negative anisotropy has an advantage. The nematic liquid crystal has the characteristic advantages that the viewing angle dependence is small and the response speed is slightly faster than that of the positive nematic liquid crystal. That is, from the viewpoint of achieving high image quality, the nematic liquid crystal is preferably a negative nematic liquid crystal having negative anisotropy.

In the liquid crystal display of the present invention, the liquid crystal layer is preferably made of a guest-host liquid crystal. In this case, the liquid crystal of the guest-host liquid crystal is preferably a nematic liquid crystal. Examples of the nematic liquid crystal include a positive nematic liquid crystal having positive anisotropy and a negative nematic liquid crystal having negative anisotropy. The positive nematic liquid crystal having positive anisotropy and the negative nematic liquid crystal having negative anisotropy have the advantages described above. That is, also in this case, from the viewpoint of achieving high image quality, it is preferable that the nematic liquid crystal of the guest host liquid crystal is a negative nematic liquid crystal having negative anisotropy.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, it is preferable that the transparent substrate or the opposite substrate has a color filter.

In the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention, the light absorbing layer may be formed of a light absorbing material, or the light absorbing layer may be formed of a quarter-wave retardation layer and a polarizing plate. .

A liquid crystal display device according to the present invention has a transparent substrate on which a transparent electrode is formed, and a counter substrate on which a plurality of pixel electrodes and switching elements for driving the pixel electrodes are formed. The counter substrate is arranged with a predetermined gap so that the transparent electrode and the pixel electrode face each other, and a liquid crystal layer is interposed in this gap,
A quarter-wave retardation layer, a fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer and a light absorbing layer are sequentially arranged on the back side of the pixel electrode, and the quarter-wavelength sequentially arranged on the back side of the pixel electrode. The one-wavelength retardation layer, the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer and the light absorbing layer function as a polarizing plate and a reflecting plate.
That is, when the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer was transmitted through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer, this light was absorbed by the light absorbing layer and showed black, and the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer was fixed. When the light cannot pass through the cholesteric liquid crystal layer, the light is irregularly reflected by the cholesteric liquid crystal layer to show white, and a dark black display and a bright white display are made.

In the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, the liquid crystal layer is formed of nematic liquid crystal, and a polarizing plate is disposed on the external light incident side. In particular, the nematic liquid crystal is formed of a negative type having negative anisotropy. If a nematic liquid crystal is used, the response speed is fast, the viewing angle dependence is small, and the viewing angle is large because the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules is not twisted unlike the conventionally used TN liquid crystal and STN liquid crystal. The image quality is also good.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, if the liquid crystal layer is formed of a guest-host liquid crystal, a polarizing plate on the external light incident side becomes unnecessary, and the quadrants arranged sequentially on the back side of the pixel electrodes are provided. Since the one-wavelength retardation layer, the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer, and the light absorbing layer function as a polarizing plate and a reflecting plate, the concentration of the dichroic dye in the guest-host liquid crystal can be relatively low. In addition, a dark black display and a bright white display are obtained even at a low density, and the reliability derived from the dye is increased.

At this time, if the liquid crystal of the guest-host liquid crystal is made to be a nematic liquid crystal, and particularly to a negative type nematic liquid crystal having negative anisotropy, a liquid crystal such as a conventionally used TN liquid crystal or STN liquid crystal is used. Since the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules is not twisted, the response speed is fast, the viewing angle dependence is small, the viewing angle is large, and the image quality is good.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention, the light absorbing layer is formed by the quarter-wave retardation layer and the polarizing plate, and the back is provided behind the quarter-wave retardation layer and the polarizing plate. If a light is provided, the quarter-wave retardation layer and the polarizing plate are used as a reflector in a bright place, and transmit light of a backlight in a dark place.

Further, in the reflection type liquid crystal display device of the present invention, the transparent substrate has a color filter.
Alternatively, if the opposing substrate is provided with a color filter, a reflective liquid crystal display device that performs color display can be obtained.

[0029]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As a first embodiment of the reflection type liquid crystal display device according to the present invention, first, a normal nematic liquid crystal or the like is used as a liquid crystal, and an active matrix system is adopted.
A liquid crystal display device having a built-in micro color filter is given.

As shown schematically in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal display device includes a transparent substrate 1 having a transparent electrode 3 on one principal surface 1a and a polarizing plate 2 on the opposite principal surface 1b. A counter substrate 4 having a plurality of pixel electrodes 5 and a switching element 6 for driving the pixel electrodes 5 on one main surface 4a;
The transparent electrode 3 and the pixel electrode 5 are arranged at a predetermined interval so as to face each other, and a liquid crystal is sandwiched between the transparent substrate 1 and the counter substrate 4 in a thickness direction by a pair of alignment films 7 and 8. The layer 9 is interposed.

The transparent substrate 1 is made of a transparent substrate such as glass, and the transparent electrode 3 is made of ITO or IXO. Also, the transparent electrode 3 on the one main surface 1a side of the transparent substrate 1
A micro color filter 10 is provided between the transparent substrate 1 and the transparent substrate 1. This micro color filter 10 is shown in FIG.
R, G, B corresponding to the pixel electrode 5 as shown in FIG.
Are arranged in stripes. Further, a retardation film 11 for increasing the viewing angle is disposed between the polarizing plate 2 on the main surface 1b side of the transparent substrate 1 and the transparent substrate 1, and a scattering plate 21 is disposed on the polarizing plate 2. And the scattering plate 21
The surface 21a is made to have an anti-glare treatment to prevent unnecessary reflection.

On one counter substrate 4, the switching element 6 is formed on one main surface 4a as described above, and the pixel electrode 5 is formed so as to be connected thereto. More specifically, switching element 6 is formed on one main surface 4a, and resin layer 12 is formed so as to cover switching element 6, and pixel electrode 5 is included on liquid crystal layer 9 side of resin layer 12. A transparent electrode layer 13 is formed, a connection hole 14 is formed in the resin layer 12, and the transparent electrode layer 13 is formed therein, so that the pixel electrode 5 and the switching element 6 are connected. I have.

The switching element 6 of the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment is formed by a semiconductor transistor having a bottom gate structure. A gate electrode 16 is formed on one main surface 4a of the substrate 4, and a gate electrode 16 is formed thereon. An insulating film 17 is laminated, and a semiconductor thin film 18 made of, for example, polycrystalline silicon is further laminated. Note that a channel region that matches the gate electrode is protected from above by a stopper.

A source electrode 19 and a drain electrode 20 formed by patterning aluminum or the like are partially laminated on the semiconductor thin film 18.

Further, as described above, the drain electrode 20 and the metal layer 1 are connected through the connection holes 14 provided in the resin layer 12.
3 are electrically connected, and as a result, the drain electrode 20 and the metal layer 13 have the same potential. The other source electrode 19 is also connected to the outside via a connection hole (not shown) provided in the resin layer 12, so that a signal voltage such as a video signal is supplied.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 9 sandwiched in the thickness direction by the pair of alignment films 7 and 8 is formed of a negative nematic liquid crystal having negative anisotropy. In a state where no voltage is applied between the pixel electrode 5 and the transparent electrode 3, the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in a direction perpendicular to the in-plane directions of the transparent substrate 1 and the counter substrate 4, and the liquid crystal molecules are interposed between the pixel electrode 5 and the transparent electrode 3. When a voltage is applied to the in-plane direction, the film moves in the in-plane direction and is oriented in this direction. In addition,
The pair of alignment films 7 and 8 are made of polyimide or the like.

In the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, in particular, as shown in FIG.
That is, the quarter-wave retardation layer 2 on the back side of the pixel electrode 5
2 and a fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 are sequentially laminated, and a light absorbing layer 24 made of a light absorbing material is provided. Further, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, a transparent substrate layer 25 made of a glass substrate or the like is interposed between the pixel electrode 5 and the quarter-wave retardation layer 22. The connection hole 14 is also formed so as to penetrate the transparent substrate layer 25, the quarter-wave retardation layer 22, the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23, and the light absorption layer 24.

Therefore, when the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment is further schematically shown, as shown in FIG.
Retardation film 11, transparent substrate 1, transparent electrode 3, alignment film 7, liquid crystal layer 9, alignment film 8, pixel electrode 5, transparent substrate layer 2
The fifth and fourth wavelength retardation layers 22, the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23, and the light absorption layer 24 are sequentially laminated. Here, illustration of the scattering plate 21 and the micro color filter 10 is omitted.

That is, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, the polarizing plate 2, the quarter-wave retardation layer 22, the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23, and the light absorbing layer 24 are arranged in this order. When the 2-side light enters, as schematically shown in FIG. 3, for example, the incident light shown in the figure L ₁ is converted into linearly polarized light shown in the figure L ₂ by the polarizing plate 2, the liquid crystal layer (not shown) Incident.

At this time, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer, the linearly polarized light does not receive birefringence.
When a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer, the linearly polarized light incident on the liquid crystal layer is converted into elliptically polarized light or linearly polarized light by a birefringence effect, and the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer is converted into a quarter-wave retardation layer 2 in any state.
2 is incident.

When the polarization axis of the light incident on the quarter-wave retardation layer 22 is at 45 ° with respect to the director direction of the quarter-wave retardation layer 22, the emitted light is, for example, L ₃ in the drawing. As shown in the figure, circular polarization occurs, but clockwise and counterclockwise differences occur at + 45 ° and −45 °. This indicates that the rotation direction of the circularly polarized light can be controlled by controlling the polarization axis.
Therefore, in the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment, the orientation direction of the quarter-wave retardation layer 22 is set to 45 ° with the oscillation direction of the polarized light transmitted by the polarizing plate 2 and transmitted through the transparent substrate 1. Have been placed.

The light transmitted through the quarter-wave retardation layer 22 travels to the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23. In the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23, the light is parallel to the helical axis of the planar arrangement. Of the two circularly polarized lights, right-handed and left-handed, are transmitted,
Everything else will be reflected.

That is, the optical rotation direction of the circularly polarized light of the quarter-wave retardation layer 22 and the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23
Winding directions incident light as shown in the figure L ₃ incident on the reverse can transmit all fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 as shown in the figure L ₄ in. At this time, the light absorbing layer 2 is provided on the back side of the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23.
4 since it is arranged, light indicated by reference numeral L ₄ are is absorbed in the light absorbing layer 24, so that the black is displayed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the incident light indicated by L ₅ in the figure is converted into linearly polarized light indicated by L ₆ in the figure by the polarizing plate 2, incident on the quarter-wave retardation layer 22 and emitted. And
The incident light as shown in the figure L ₇ of optical rotation direction is incident in immobilized wound in the same direction as the direction of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 relative to the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23, as shown in the figure L ₈ The light is scattered and reflected, and white is displayed.

Therefore, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment,
When no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are oriented perpendicular to the in-plane directions of the transparent substrate 1 and the counter substrate 4, and as shown in FIG. incident light indicated by L ₅ represents is converted into linearly polarized light shown in the figure L ₆ by the polarizing plate 2, without being birefringence due to the liquid crystal layer, is incident on the quarter-wave retardation layer 22. Then, this light is the optical rotation direction, is incident as the immobilized wound in the same direction as the direction of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 as shown in the figure L _7, scattered reflection as shown in the figure L ₈ And white is displayed. In addition, in the liquid crystal display device of this example, since the micro color filter 10 is provided, color display is performed.

On the other hand, when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 9, the liquid crystal is oriented parallel to the in-plane directions of the transparent substrate 1 and the counter substrate 4, and as shown in FIG. _The incident light indicated by ₁ is converted by the polarizing plate 2 into linearly polarized light indicated by L ₂ in the figure, and is incident on the quarter-wave retardation layer 22 in the state of being elliptically or linearly polarized by the birefringence effect of the liquid crystal layer. And is emitted. Then, this light is the optical rotation direction, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is fixed as shown in the figure L ₃ 2
No. 3 in FIG.
_The cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 fixed as shown in FIG.
, And is absorbed by the light absorbing layer 24 to display black.

The quarter-wave retardation layer 22 can be formed from a film obtained by uniaxially stretching polycarbonate, a polymer liquid crystal, an ultraviolet curable liquid crystal, or the like. The fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer can be formed by curing a chiral diacrylate liquid crystal with ultraviolet light. The wavelength region of light reflected by the cholesteric liquid crystal is represented by the following equation (1).

Δλ = Δn × p (Equation 1) Here, Δn is the difference between the refractive index parallel to the molecular axis of the liquid crystal molecule and the refractive index perpendicular to the molecular axis, and p is represented by the helical pitch. It is possible. Δλ can be RGB (red, green, blue), and in this case, color display can be performed without a color filter. Note that the maximum selective light scattering occurs at the wavelength λ0 in the following equation 2, where n is the average refractive index (n ² + n ² ) ² in a plane orthogonal to the helical axis.

Λ0 = n × P (Equation 2) Further, recently, white products covering the entire visible light region by changing the helical pitch stepwise have been commercialized. Further, the reflectivity is increased by increasing the film thickness.
Further, the light absorption layer 24 can obtain a high absorption rate by using a material used for a black matrix.

In order to manufacture the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment, the following method may be used. That is, first, the transparent substrate 1 on which the transparent electrode 3 is formed and the transparent substrate layer 25 on which the pixel electrode 5 is formed are prepared. Subsequently, these transparent electrodes 3
Then, the alignment films 7 and 8 are applied on the pixel electrodes 5, respectively, and the alignment process is performed by a rubbing process. Here, the micro color filter 1 is disposed between the transparent electrode 3 and the transparent substrate 1.
0 is arranged.

Next, the transparent substrate 1 and the transparent substrate layer 25 are bonded at a predetermined interval. Here, 5 μm
In order to form an interval of 5 μm, a 5 μm spacer is scattered between them. Then, liquid crystal is sealed in a gap formed between the transparent substrate 1 and the transparent substrate layer 25 to form a liquid crystal layer 9.

Further, the retardation film 11 and the polarizing plate 2 are adhered on the main surface 1b of the transparent substrate 1 opposite to the surface on which the transparent electrode 3 is formed to form a scattering plate 21, and the surface 21a is subjected to anti-glare treatment. Do.

Further, the pixel electrode 5 of the transparent substrate layer 25
A quarter-wave retardation layer 22 and a fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 obtained by photopolymerizing an acrylic acid derivative liquid crystal were disposed on the side opposite to the formation surface, and a light absorbing layer 24 was disposed thereon.

Then, the counter substrate 4 having the switching element formed on the light absorbing layer 24 was arranged to complete the liquid crystal display device.

That is, in the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment, the quarter-wave retardation layer 22, the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23, and the light absorbing layer are sequentially laminated on the back side of the pixel electrode 5. When 24 functions as a polarizing plate and a reflecting plate, and the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 9 transmits through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23, the light is absorbed by the light absorbing layer 24 and becomes black. When the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 9 cannot be transmitted through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23, the light is diffusely reflected by the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 to show white,
A dark black display and a bright white display are provided, high contrast is obtained, and high image quality is achieved.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, the polarizing plate 2 is provided on the transparent substrate 1, and the liquid crystal layer 9 is made of negative type nematic liquid crystal having negative anisotropy.
Since the alignment of liquid crystal molecules is not twisted unlike the conventionally used TN liquid crystal and STN liquid crystal, the response speed is fast, the viewing angle dependence is small, the viewing angle is large, the image quality is good, and the image quality is high. Achieved.

It is needless to say that the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment can achieve low power consumption because it is of the reflection type.

The second embodiment of the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention includes the following.
The liquid crystal display device of this example has substantially the same configuration as the liquid crystal display device of the above-described first embodiment, and as schematically shown in FIG. Retardation film 11, transparent substrate 1, transparent electrode 3, alignment film 7, liquid crystal layer 9, alignment film 8, pixel electrode 5, transparent substrate layer 25, quarter-wave retardation layer 22, fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 and a light absorption layer 24 are sequentially laminated. Each member is substantially the same as in the above-described first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated. Here, illustration of the scattering plate 21 and the micro color filter 10 is omitted.

However, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment,
The alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the quarter-wave retardation layer 22 and the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 is indicated by an arrow D in FIG.
_The optical axis is rotated by 90 ° with respect to the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the quarter-wave retardation layer 22 and the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 in the above-described first embodiment indicated by ₁ and D _2. Has been placed.

Therefore, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 9, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are perpendicular to the in-plane directions of the transparent substrate 1 and the counter substrate 4. The light is oriented and is converted into linearly polarized light by the polarizing plate 2 and is incident on the quarter-wave retardation layer 22 without being subjected to birefringence by the liquid crystal layer 9. At this time, in the liquid crystal display device of this example, the quarter-wave retardation layer 22 and the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 2
3 is arranged so that the optical axis is different from that of the first embodiment by 90 °. Therefore, the light emitted from the quarter-wave retardation layer 22 is incident such that the direction of the optical rotation is opposite to the winding direction of the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23, and the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 is incident. The light passes through the liquid crystal layer 23 and is absorbed by the light absorbing layer 24, so that black is displayed.

On the other hand, when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 9, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are oriented parallel to the in-plane directions of the transparent substrate 1 and the counter substrate 4, and the incident light is The light is converted into linearly polarized light by the polarizing plate 2, and then enters the quarter-wave retardation layer 22 and is emitted in an elliptically or linearly polarized state due to the birefringence effect of the liquid crystal layer 9. At this time, in the liquid crystal display device of this example, the quarter-wave retardation layer 22 and the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 2
3 is arranged so that the optical axis is different from that of the first embodiment by 90 °. For this reason, the light emitted from the quarter-wave retardation layer 22 is directed in the same direction as the winding direction of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 having the fixed optical rotation direction with respect to the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23. And is scattered and reflected, and white is displayed. In addition, in the liquid crystal display device of this example, since the micro color filter 10 is provided, color display is performed.

That is, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment,
The display of black and white in the first embodiment is reversed.

The liquid crystal display according to the second embodiment is manufactured in substantially the same manner as the liquid crystal display according to the first embodiment.

That is, in the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment, as in the liquid crystal display device shown in the first embodiment, a quarter-wavelength position which is sequentially laminated on the back side of the pixel electrode 5 is arranged. When the phase difference layer 22, the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23, and the light absorbing layer 24 function as a polarizing plate and a reflection plate, and light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 9 passes through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23. In the case where the light is absorbed by the light absorbing layer 24 and becomes black, and the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 9 cannot pass through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23, the light is fixed. The cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 is irregularly reflected to show white,
A dark black display and a bright white display are provided, high contrast is obtained, and high image quality is achieved.

Also, in the liquid crystal display device of this example, similarly to the liquid crystal display device shown as the first embodiment, the polarizing plate 2 is provided on the transparent substrate 1, and the liquid crystal layer 9 is made to have a negative anisotropy. It has a negative nematic liquid crystal and does not twist the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules unlike the conventionally used TN liquid crystal and STN liquid crystal, so that the response speed is fast, the viewing angle dependence is small and the viewing angle is large, Image quality is also good,
High image quality is achieved.

It is needless to say that the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment can achieve low power consumption because it is of a reflection type.

The third embodiment of the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention includes the following.
The liquid crystal display device of this example has substantially the same configuration as the liquid crystal display device of the first embodiment described above. As schematically shown in FIG. The phase difference film 11, the transparent substrate 1, the transparent electrode 3, the alignment film 7, the liquid crystal layer 9, the alignment film 8, and the pixel electrode 5 are sequentially laminated. Phase difference layer 2
2. A fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 is laminated, and a light absorbing layer 24 is laminated sequentially with a transparent substrate layer 25 interposed therebetween. The retardation layer 22 and the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 are formed. Each member is substantially the same as in the above-described first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated. Here, illustration of the scattering plate 21 and the micro color filter 10 is omitted.

The liquid crystal display of the third embodiment is formed in substantially the same manner as the liquid crystal display of the first embodiment. However, in the transparent substrate layer 25, first,
After applying and orienting a photopolymerizable acrylic acid derivative liquid crystal on one main surface side, it is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to be polymerized. Then, an alignment film is applied thereon and subjected to a rubbing treatment to form a fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23. Subsequently, a photopolymerizable acrylic acid derivative liquid crystal of a type different from the above photopolymerizable acrylic acid derivative liquid crystal was applied, and was cured by ultraviolet rays to form a quarter-wave retardation layer 22. As a method of forming the quarter-wave retardation layer 22, a method of applying a polymer liquid crystal dissolved in a solvent, drying the liquid crystal, and then heating and aligning the liquid crystal may be used. Further, the pixel electrode 5 and the alignment film 8 were formed on the quarter-wave retardation layer 22, and the liquid crystal display device of this example was completed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

In the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, the above-described first or second embodiment depends on the orientation direction of the quarter-wave retardation layer 22 and the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23. A black and white display is made in the same manner as the above.

In the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, the black light absorbing layer 24 is provided on the main surface side of the transparent substrate layer 25 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 9 side. It may be provided on the 9 side, and is easily formed by using a resin for a black matrix used for a color filter.

That is, in the liquid crystal display device of this example, similarly to the liquid crystal display device shown in the first embodiment, a quarter-wavelength position which is sequentially laminated on the back side of the pixel electrode 5 is arranged. When the phase difference layer 22, the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23, and the light absorbing layer 24 function as a polarizing plate and a reflection plate, and light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 9 passes through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23. In the case where the light is absorbed by the light absorbing layer 24 and becomes black, and the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 9 cannot pass through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23, the light is fixed. The cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 is irregularly reflected to show white,
A dark black display and a bright white display are provided, high contrast is obtained, and high image quality is achieved.

Also, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, similarly to the liquid crystal display device shown in the first embodiment, the transparent substrate 1 is provided with the polarizing plate 2 and the liquid crystal layer 9 is made to have a negative anisotropy. It has a negative nematic liquid crystal and does not twist the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules unlike the conventionally used TN liquid crystal and STN liquid crystal, so that the response speed is fast, the viewing angle dependence is small and the viewing angle is large, Image quality is also good,
High image quality is achieved.

It is needless to say that the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment can achieve low power consumption since it is of a reflection type.

As a fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied, there is a liquid crystal display device having a configuration substantially similar to that of the liquid display device of the first embodiment, as schematically shown in FIG. In this example, a so-called TFT panel is used. Similarly to the liquid crystal display device according to the above-described first embodiment, the liquid crystal display device of the present example includes the transparent electrode 3 on one main surface 1a side and the polarizing plate 2 on the opposite main surface 1b side. A transparent substrate 1 and a counter substrate 4 provided with a plurality of pixel electrodes 5 and a switching element 6 for driving the pixel electrodes 5 on one main surface 4a are predetermined so that the transparent electrodes 3 and the pixel electrodes 5 face each other. And a liquid crystal layer 9 interposed between the transparent substrate 1 and the opposing substrate 4 in the thickness direction between a pair of alignment films 7 and 8. The transparent substrate 1 and the transparent electrode 3 are formed of the same material as in the first embodiment.

In the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment,
A micro color filter 10 is arranged between the transparent substrate 1 and the transparent electrode 3 on one main surface 1a side of the transparent substrate 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the micro color filter 10 has R, G, and B stripes arranged so as to correspond to the pixel electrodes 5. Further, a retardation film 11 is provided between the polarizing plate 2 on the main surface 1b side of the transparent substrate 1 and the transparent substrate 1, and the surface 2a of the polarizing plate 2 is subjected to anti-glare treatment to prevent unnecessary reflection. It has such a configuration.

On one counter substrate 4, switching element 6 is formed on one main surface 4a as described above, and pixel electrode 5 is formed so as to be connected thereto. More specifically, switching element 6 is formed on one main surface 4a, and resin layer 12 is formed so as to cover switching element 6, and pixel electrode 5 is included on liquid crystal layer 9 side of resin layer 12. A transparent electrode layer 13 is formed, a connection hole 14 is formed in the resin layer 12, and the transparent electrode layer 13 is formed therein, so that the pixel electrode 5 and the switching element 6 are connected. I have.

Further, also in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 9 sandwiched in the thickness direction by the pair of alignment films 7 and 8 is formed of a negative nematic liquid crystal having negative anisotropy. I have. The pair of alignment films 7 and 8 are made of polyimide or the like.

The switching element 6 of the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment
Are also configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment,
Here, the description is omitted.

In the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, in particular, as shown in FIG.
That is, the quarter-wave retardation layer 2 on the back side of the pixel electrode 5
2 and the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 fixed to the alignment film 2
6, and a black light absorbing layer 24 is provided so as to sandwich the counter substrate 4 therebetween. The connection hole 14 for connecting the switching element 6 and the pixel electrode 5 is provided with these quarter-wave retardation layers 22,
It is formed so as to penetrate the alignment film 26 and the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23. If the light absorbing layer 24 does not have insulating properties, an insulating layer (not shown) may be provided between the light absorbing layer 24 and the counter substrate 4 with, for example, acrylic resin.

The liquid crystal display of this embodiment may be formed in substantially the same manner as the liquid crystal display of the first embodiment.

That is, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, the incident light is converted into linearly polarized light by the polarizing plate 2 and is incident on the liquid crystal layer 9. Then, depending on whether or not a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 9, the light is emitted in a state of being circularly or linearly polarized by the birefringence effect or in a state of not receiving the birefringence effect,
The light enters the quarter-wave retardation layer 22.

At this time, when the light emitted from the quarter-wave retardation layer 22 is incident such that the optical rotation direction is opposite to the winding direction of the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23, FIG. cholesteric liquid crystal layer light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 9 as indicated by an arrow L ₈ in the immobilized 23
, And this light is absorbed by the light absorbing layer 24 to show black.

On the other hand, when the light emitted from the quarter-wave retardation layer 22 is incident so that the optical rotation direction is the same as the winding direction of the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23, FIG. as indicated by an arrow L ₉ in 6 shows the white is irregularly reflected by the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23. In addition, in the liquid crystal display device of this example, since the micro color filter 10 is provided, color display is performed.

In other words, in the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment, similarly to the liquid crystal display device shown in the first embodiment, a quarter wavelength that is sequentially laminated on the back side of the pixel electrode 5 is arranged. The retardation layer 22, the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23, and the light absorbing layer 24 function as a polarizing plate and a reflection plate, and the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 9 is transmitted through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23. In this case, this light is absorbed by the light absorbing layer 24 and shows black. If the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 9 cannot pass through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23, this light is fixed. Is irregularly reflected by the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 thus formed, and exhibits white.
A dark black display and a bright white display are provided, high contrast is obtained, and high image quality is achieved.

Also, in the liquid crystal display device of this example, similarly to the liquid crystal display device shown as the first embodiment, the polarizing plate 2 is provided on the transparent substrate 1, and the liquid crystal layer 9 is made to have a negative anisotropy. It has a negative nematic liquid crystal and does not twist the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules unlike the conventionally used TN liquid crystal and STN liquid crystal, so that the response speed is fast, the viewing angle dependence is small and the viewing angle is large, Image quality is also good,
High image quality is achieved.

It is needless to say that the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment can achieve low power consumption because it is of the reflection type.

As a fifth embodiment to which the present invention is applied, there is a liquid crystal display device having a configuration substantially similar to that of the liquid display device of the first embodiment, as schematically shown in FIG.
Similarly to the liquid crystal display device according to the above-described first embodiment, the liquid crystal display device of the present example includes the transparent electrode 3 on one main surface 1a side and the polarizing plate 2 on the opposite main surface 1b side. Transparent substrate 1
And a counter substrate 4 having a plurality of pixel electrodes 5 and a switching element 6 for driving the pixel electrodes 5 on one main surface 4a are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance so that the transparent electrodes 3 and the pixel electrodes 5 face each other. A liquid crystal layer 9 interposed between the transparent substrate 1 and the opposing substrate 4 in the thickness direction between a pair of alignment films 7 and 8 is provided. The transparent substrate 1
The transparent electrode 3 may be formed of the same material as that of the liquid crystal display device described in the first embodiment.

Then, also in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment,
A micro color filter 10 is arranged between the transparent substrate 1 and the transparent electrode 3 on one main surface 1a side of the transparent substrate 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the micro color filter 10 has R, G, and B stripes arranged so as to correspond to the pixel electrodes 5. In addition, the surface 2a of the polarizing plate 2 is configured to be subjected to an anti-glare treatment to prevent unnecessary reflection.

On one counter substrate 4, switching element 6 is formed on one main surface 4a as described above, and pixel electrode 5 is formed so as to be connected thereto. More specifically, switching element 6 is formed on one main surface 4a, and resin layer 12 is formed so as to cover switching element 6, and pixel electrode 5 is included on liquid crystal layer 9 side of resin layer 12. A transparent electrode layer 13 is formed, a connection hole 14 is formed in the resin layer 12, and the transparent electrode layer 13 is formed therein, so that the pixel electrode 5 and the switching element 6 are connected. I have.

Further, also in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 9 sandwiched in the thickness direction by the pair of alignment films 7 and 8 is formed of a negative nematic liquid crystal having negative anisotropy. I have. The pair of alignment films 7 and 8 are made of polyimide or the like.

Switching element 6 of liquid crystal display device of this example
Are also configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment,
Here, the description is omitted.

In the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, in particular, as shown in FIG.
That is, the quarter-wave retardation layer 2 on the back side of the pixel electrode 5
2 and the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 fixed to the alignment film 2
6, a quarter-wave retardation layer 27 and a polarizing film 28 are sequentially laminated so as to sandwich the opposing substrate 4, and provided as a light absorbing layer. The connection hole 14 for connecting the switching element 6 and the pixel electrode 5 is formed so as to penetrate the quarter-wave retardation layer 22, the alignment film 26, and the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23. I have.

The liquid crystal display of this embodiment may be formed in substantially the same manner as the liquid crystal display of the first embodiment.

That is, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, the incident light is converted into linearly polarized light by the polarizing plate 2 and is incident on the liquid crystal layer 9. Then, depending on whether or not a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 9, the light is emitted in a state of being circularly or linearly polarized by the birefringence effect or in a state of not receiving the birefringence effect,
The light enters the quarter-wave retardation layer 22.

At this time, when the light emitted from the quarter-wave retardation layer 22 is incident such that the optical rotation direction is opposite to the winding direction of the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23, FIG. cholesteric liquid crystal layer light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 9 as shown by the arrow L ₁₀ in the immobilized 23
And this light is absorbed by the quarter-wave retardation layer 27 and the polarizing film 28 to show black.

On the other hand, when the light emitted from the quarter-wave retardation layer 22 is incident such that the optical rotation direction is the same as the winding direction of the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23, FIG. As shown by arrows L ₁₁ and L ₁₂ in FIG. 7, light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 9 is irregularly reflected by the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 to show white. In addition, in the liquid crystal display device of this example, the micro color filter 10
Is provided, color display is performed.

In other words, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, the quarter-wave retardation layer 22 and the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 are sequentially stacked on the back side of the pixel electrode 5. Wavelength retardation layer 27 and polarizing film 2
8 functions as a selective transmission scattering plate, and when the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 9 transmits through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23, the light is transmitted to the quarter-wave retardation layer 27 and The cholesteric liquid crystal layer 2 in which light absorbed by the film 28 is black and transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 9 is fixed.
3 cannot be transmitted, the light is irregularly reflected by the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 to show white, a dark black display and a bright white display are obtained, a high contrast is obtained, and a high image quality is obtained. Is achieved.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, a backlight 29 is provided behind the quarter-wave retardation layer 27 and the polarizing film 28 which are sequentially formed.
Is preferably arranged. In this manner, in a bright place, the quarter-wave retardation layer 27 and the polarizing plate 28 are used as a light absorbing layer as shown in FIG. It is possible to transmit through the half-wave retardation layer 27 and the polarizing plate 28.

That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the light of the backlight 29 passes through the polarizing film 28 and the quarter-wave layer 27, and is fixed to the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 23 and the quarter-wave retardation layer. After passing through the liquid crystal layer 22, the light enters the liquid crystal layer 9, but passes through the liquid crystal layer 9 as shown by arrows L ₁₃ and L ₁₄ in the figure depending on the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules depending on whether or not a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 9. or show the same phenomenon as the reflection of the foregoing, the light absorbed by the polarizing plate 2 passes through the liquid crystal layer 9 as shown in FIG arrow L _15.

Therefore, the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment can be used as a reflection type or a transmission type according to the brightness of the use environment, and high image quality is achieved.

Also, in the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment, similarly to the liquid crystal display device shown as the first embodiment, the polarizing plate 2 is provided on the transparent substrate 1, and the liquid crystal layer 9 is made to have a negative anisotropy. It has a negative nematic liquid crystal and does not twist the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules unlike the conventionally used TN liquid crystal and STN liquid crystal, so that the response speed is fast, the viewing angle dependence is small and the viewing angle is large, Image quality is also good,
High image quality is achieved.

It is needless to say that the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment can be used as a reflection type, so that low power consumption can be achieved.

Next, as a sixth embodiment of the reflection type liquid crystal display device according to the present invention, a guest-host type liquid crystal (hereinafter referred to as a GH type liquid crystal, an active matrix system is adopted, and a micro color filter is adopted) And a liquid crystal display device incorporating the same.

As shown schematically in FIG. 9, the liquid crystal display device has a transparent substrate 31 having a transparent electrode 33 on one main surface 31a side, a plurality of pixel electrodes 35 on one main surface 34a, and these pixel electrodes The opposing substrate 34 including the switching element 36 for driving the transparent electrode 33 and the pixel electrode 35
Are disposed at a predetermined interval so as to face each other, and a pair of alignment films 37 and 3 are interposed between the transparent substrate 31 and the counter substrate 34.
8, a liquid crystal layer 39 sandwiched in the thickness direction is interposed.

The transparent substrate 31 is made of a transparent substrate such as glass, and the transparent electrode 33 is made of ITO or IXO. Further, a micro color filter 40 is disposed between the transparent substrate 31 and the transparent electrode 33 on one main surface 31 a side of the transparent substrate 31. As shown in FIG. 9, the micro color filter 40 has R, G, and B stripes arranged so as to correspond to the pixel electrodes 35.

On one counter substrate 34, switching element 36 is formed on one main surface 34a as described above, and pixel electrode 35 is formed so as to be connected thereto. More specifically, switching element 36 is formed on one main surface 34a, and resin layer 42 is formed so as to cover this.
Is formed on the liquid crystal layer 39 side of the resin layer 42, the transparent electrode layer 43 including the pixel electrode 35 is formed, the connection hole 44 is formed in the resin layer 42, and the transparent electrode By forming the layer 43, the pixel electrode 35 and the switching element 36 are connected.

In the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment,
In particular, the liquid crystal layer 39 sandwiched in the thickness direction between the pair of alignment films 37 and 38 is formed of a GH type liquid crystal which is a negative type nematic liquid crystal containing a dichroic dye having a black color and having a negative anisotropy. In a state where no voltage is applied between the pixel electrode 5 and the transparent electrode 3, the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in a direction perpendicular to the in-plane directions of the transparent substrate 1 and the counter substrate 4, and the pixel electrode 5 and the transparent electrode 3 When a voltage is applied between the three, the film moves in the above-mentioned in-plane direction and is oriented in this direction, and the direction of the dichroic dye is also changed by applying a voltage or not applying a voltage. ing. The pair of alignment films 7 and 8 are made of polyimide or the like.

Further, the switching element 36 of the liquid crystal display device of this example has the same configuration as that of the liquid crystal display device shown in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, in particular, as shown in FIG. 9, a quarter-wave retardation layer 52 is provided between the pixel electrode 35 and the opposite substrate 34, that is, on the back side of the pixel electrode 35. A fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53 is sequentially laminated, and a light absorbing layer 54 made of a light absorbing material is provided. Further, in the liquid crystal display device of this example, a transparent substrate layer 55 made of a glass substrate or the like is interposed between the pixel electrode 35 and the quarter-wave retardation layer 52. The connection hole 44 is also formed to penetrate the transparent substrate layer 55, the quarter-wave retardation layer 52, the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, and the light absorption layer 54.

Therefore, the liquid crystal display device of this example is further schematically shown in FIG. 10 from above in the figure, the transparent substrate 31, the transparent electrode 33, the alignment film 37, the liquid crystal layer 39, the alignment film 38, and the pixel. An electrode 35, a transparent substrate layer 55, a quarter-wave retardation layer 52, a fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53,
The light absorbing layers 54 are sequentially laminated. In addition,
Here, illustration of the micro color filter 40 is omitted.

In the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment,
In order to perform monochrome display in the same manner as in the liquid crystal display device shown in the first embodiment, the oscillation direction of the polarized light passing through the liquid crystal layer 39 and the orientation axis of the quarter-wave retardation layer 52 are set to 45. They are arranged so as to form ゜.

That is, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 39, the liquid crystal molecules and the dye are vertically aligned with respect to the in-plane directions of the transparent substrate 31 and the counter substrate. , The incident light is directly applied to the liquid crystal layer 39.
And enters the quarter-wave retardation layer 52.

The light emitted from the quarter-wave retardation layer 52 turns and enters so that the optical rotation direction is the same as the winding direction of the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53. The light is scattered and reflected, and white is displayed. In addition, in the liquid crystal display device of this example, since the micro color filter 10 is provided, color display is performed.

On the other hand, when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 39, the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in the in-plane directions of the transparent substrate 31 and the counter substrate 34, and the incident light is converted into linearly polarized light by the liquid crystal layer 39 made of GH type liquid crystal. In the converted state, the light is incident on the quarter-wave retardation layer 52.

The light emitted from the quarter-wave retardation layer 52 enters such that the direction of the optical rotation is opposite to the winding direction of the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, and is fixed. The cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53 passes through the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53 and is absorbed by the light absorbing layer 54, so that black is displayed.

In order to manufacture the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment, the following steps may be taken. That is, first, the transparent substrate 31 on which the transparent electrode 33 is formed and the transparent substrate layer 55 on which the pixel electrode 35 is formed are prepared. Subsequently, alignment films 37 and 38 are applied on the transparent electrode 33 and the pixel electrode 35, respectively, and an alignment process is performed by a rubbing process. Here, a micro color filter 40 is arranged between the transparent electrode 33 and the transparent substrate 31.

Next, the transparent substrate 31 and the transparent substrate layer 55 are bonded to each other at a predetermined interval. Here, 5μ
In order to form an interval of m, a spacer of 5 μm is to be sprayed between them. Then, the transparent substrate 31
A liquid crystal layer 39 is formed by enclosing a GH type liquid crystal, which is a negative type nematic liquid crystal having a negative anisotropy, containing a dichroic dye having a black color in a gap formed between the liquid crystal layer 39 and the transparent substrate layer 55. I do.

Further, a quarter-wave retardation layer 52 and a fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53 obtained by photopolymerizing an acrylic acid derivative liquid crystal are disposed on the side of the transparent substrate layer 55 opposite to the surface on which the pixel electrodes 35 are formed. The light absorbing layer 54 was provided thereon.

Then, the liquid crystal display device was completed by disposing the counter substrate 34 having the switching elements formed on the light absorbing layer 54.

That is, also in the liquid crystal display device of this example, the quarter-wave retardation layer 52, the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, and the light absorbing layer When the light 54 functions as a polarizing plate and a reflection plate, and the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 39 transmits through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, the light is absorbed by the light absorbing layer 54 and becomes black. When the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 39 cannot pass through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, the light is diffusely reflected by the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53 to show white, which is dark. Black display and bright white display are performed, high contrast is obtained, and high image quality is achieved.

In the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 39 is made of a GH type liquid crystal which is a negative nematic liquid crystal having a negative anisotropy and containing a dichroic dye exhibiting black. Since the alignment of liquid crystal molecules is not twisted unlike the conventionally used TN liquid crystal and STN liquid crystal, the response speed is fast, the viewing angle dependence is small, the viewing angle is large, and the image quality is good, and the image quality is high. Is achieved.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53 fixed to the quarter-wave retardation layer 52 and the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53 fixed to the rear side of the pixel electrode 35 are sequentially arranged. Since the absorption layer 54 functions as a polarizing plate and a reflecting plate, the density of the dichroic dye may be relatively low, and even at a low density, dark black display and bright white display are obtained. The nature also increases.

It is needless to say that the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment can achieve low power consumption because it is of a reflection type.

The seventh embodiment of the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention includes the following.
The liquid crystal display device of this example has substantially the same configuration as the liquid crystal display device of the above-described sixth embodiment, and as schematically shown in FIG. Electrode 33, alignment film 37, liquid crystal layer 3 made of GH type liquid crystal
9, an alignment film 38, a pixel electrode 35, a transparent substrate layer 55, a quarter-wave retardation layer 52, a fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, and a light absorption layer 54 are sequentially laminated.
Since each member is substantially the same as in the above-described sixth embodiment, the description is omitted. Here, the illustration of the micro color filter 40 is omitted.

However, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment,
The alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the quarter-wave retardation layer 52 and the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53 is indicated by an arrow D in FIG.
_3, so that the optical axis is rotated 90 degrees with respect to the alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules of D above indicated _four sixth quarter in the embodiment of the wavelength retardation layer 52 and the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53 Has been placed.

That is, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 39, the liquid crystal molecules and the dye are vertically aligned with respect to the in-plane directions of the transparent substrate 31 and the counter substrate. The incident light is directly incident on the quarter-wave retardation layer 52 without being affected by the birefringence effect of the liquid crystal layer 39 and the dye.

At this time, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, the quarter-wave retardation layer 52 and the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53 have the same optical axis as that of the sixth embodiment described above.か ら Because they are arranged differently,
The light emitted from the quarter-wave retardation layer 52 enters such that the direction of the optical rotation is opposite to the winding direction of the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, and the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53 , And is absorbed by the light absorbing layer 54 to display black.

On the other hand, when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 39, the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in the in-plane directions of the transparent substrate 31 and the counter substrate 34, and the incident light is converted into linearly polarized light by the liquid crystal layer 39, and is divided into four quarters. To the one-wavelength phase difference layer 52.

At this time, in the liquid crystal display device of this example, the quarter-wave retardation layer 52 and the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53 have the same optical axis as that of the above-described sixth embodiment.か ら Because they are arranged differently,
Light emitted from the quarter-wave retardation layer 52 turns and enters so that the direction of the optical rotation is the same as the winding direction of the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, and is scattered and reflected. White will be displayed. In the liquid crystal display device of this example, the micro color filter 1 was used.
Since 0 is provided, color display is performed.

That is, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment,
The display of black and white in the sixth embodiment is reversed.

The liquid crystal display device of the seventh embodiment is manufactured in substantially the same manner as the liquid crystal display device of the sixth embodiment.

That is, in the liquid crystal display device of this example, as in the liquid crystal display device shown in the sixth embodiment, a quarter-wavelength position which is sequentially laminated on the back side of the pixel electrode 35 is arranged. When the phase difference layer 52, the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, and the light absorbing layer 54 function as a polarizing plate and a reflection plate, and light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 39 passes through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53. This light is absorbed by the light absorbing layer 54 to show black, and when the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 39 cannot pass through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, the light is fixed. The cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53 is irregularly reflected to show white, and a dark black display and a bright white display are obtained, high contrast is obtained, and high image quality is achieved.

Also, in the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment, similarly to the above-described sixth embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 39 is formed of a negative anisotropy containing a dichroic dye having a black color and having a negative anisotropy. It is a GH type liquid crystal which is a nematic liquid crystal. Since the alignment of liquid crystal molecules is not twisted unlike the conventionally used TN liquid crystal and STN liquid crystal, the response speed is fast, the viewing angle dependence is small, and the viewing angle is large. The image quality is also improved, and high image quality is achieved.

It is needless to say that the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment can achieve low power consumption because it is of a reflection type.

An eighth embodiment of the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention includes the following.
The liquid crystal display device of this example has substantially the same configuration as the liquid crystal display device of the above-described sixth embodiment, and as schematically shown in FIG. The electrode 33, the alignment film 37, the liquid crystal layer 39, the alignment film 38, and the pixel electrode 35 are sequentially laminated. An alignment film 56 for aligning the polymer liquid crystal forming the wavelength retardation layer 52, and the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 5
3. a light absorption layer 54 is sequentially laminated, and a quarter-wave retardation layer 52 and a fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53 are formed close to the liquid crystal layer 39; Become. Since each member is substantially the same as in the above-described sixth embodiment, the description is omitted. Here, the illustration of the micro color filter 40 is omitted.

The liquid crystal display of the eighth embodiment is formed in substantially the same manner as the liquid crystal display of the sixth embodiment. However, in the transparent substrate layer 55, first,
After applying and orienting a photopolymerizable acrylic acid derivative liquid crystal on one main surface side, it is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to be polymerized. Then, an alignment film 56 is applied thereon and rubbed to form a fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53.
Subsequently, a photopolymerizable acrylic acid derivative liquid crystal of a type different from the above-mentioned photopolymerizable acrylic acid derivative liquid crystal was applied and cured by ultraviolet rays to form a quarter-wave retardation layer 52. As a method of forming the quarter-wave retardation layer 52, a method of applying a polymer liquid crystal dissolved in a solvent, drying the liquid crystal, and then heating and aligning the liquid crystal may be used. Further, the quarter-wave retardation layer 52
A pixel electrode 35 and an alignment film 38 were formed thereon, and thereafter the liquid crystal display device of this example was completed in the same manner as in the sixth embodiment.

In the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, the above-described sixth or seventh embodiment depends on the orientation direction of the quarter-wave retardation layer 52 and the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53. A black and white display is made in the same manner as the above.

That is, in the liquid crystal display device of this example, as in the liquid crystal display device shown in the sixth embodiment, a quarter-wavelength position which is sequentially laminated on the back side of the pixel electrode 35 is arranged. When the phase difference layer 52, the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, and the light absorbing layer 54 function as a polarizing plate and a reflection plate, and light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 39 passes through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53. This light is absorbed by the light absorbing layer 54 to show black, and when the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 39 cannot pass through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, the light is fixed. The cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53 is irregularly reflected to show white, and a dark black display and a bright white display are obtained, high contrast is obtained, and high image quality is achieved.

Also, in the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment, similarly to the above-described sixth embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 39 is formed of a negative type of negative anisotropy containing a dichroic dye exhibiting black. It is a GH type liquid crystal which is a nematic liquid crystal. Since the alignment of liquid crystal molecules is not twisted unlike the conventionally used TN liquid crystal and STN liquid crystal, the response speed is fast, the viewing angle dependence is small, and the viewing angle is large. The image quality is also improved, and high image quality is achieved.

It is needless to say that the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment can achieve low power consumption because it is of a reflection type.

As a ninth embodiment to which the present invention is applied, there is a liquid crystal display device having a configuration substantially similar to that of the liquid display device of the sixth embodiment, as schematically shown in FIG. In this example, a so-called TFT panel is used. Similarly to the liquid crystal display device according to the above-described sixth embodiment, the liquid crystal display device of this example also includes a transparent substrate 31 having a transparent electrode 33 on one main surface 31a side, and a plurality of pixel electrodes 35 on one main surface 34a. A counter substrate 34 having a switching element 36 for driving these pixel electrodes 35 is disposed at a predetermined interval so that the transparent electrode 33 and the pixel electrode 35 face each other. A liquid crystal layer 39 sandwiched between a pair of alignment films 37 and 38 in the thickness direction is disposed therebetween. The transparent substrate 31
The transparent electrode 33 may be formed of the same material as in the first embodiment.

In the liquid crystal display of this embodiment,
A micro color filter 40 is disposed between the transparent substrate 31 and the transparent electrode 33 on the one main surface 31 a side of the transparent substrate 31. This micro color filter 40 is shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, R, G,
B is a stripe arrangement.

On one counter substrate 34, switching element 36 is formed on one main surface 34a as described above, and pixel electrode 35 is formed so as to be connected thereto.

Further, also in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 39 sandwiched in the thickness direction by the pair of alignment films 37 and 38 contains a dichroic dye exhibiting black color and has a negative anisotropy. GH type liquid crystal which is a negative type nematic liquid crystal having the following formula: The pair of alignment films 37, 3
8 is made of polyimide or the like.

The switching element 3 of the liquid crystal display of this example
6 is configured similarly to the above-described first embodiment.

In the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment, in particular, as shown in FIG.
, Ie, on the back side of the pixel electrode 35, the quarter-wave retardation layer 52 and the alignment film 56 for orienting the polymer liquid crystal forming the quarter-wave retardation layer 52, the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal The layers 53 are sequentially laminated, and a light absorbing layer 54 made of a light absorbing material is provided. The connection hole 44 for connecting the switching element 36 and the pixel electrode 35 is provided with these quarter-wave retardation layers 5.
2. Alignment film 56, fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 5
3. It is formed so as to penetrate the light transmitting layer 54.

The liquid crystal display of this embodiment may be formed in substantially the same manner as the liquid crystal display of the first embodiment.

That is, in the liquid crystal display device of this example, the incident light enters the liquid crystal layer 39 and is emitted in a state of being converted into linearly polarized light or as it is depending on whether or not a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 39. The light enters the quarter-wave retardation layer 52.

At this time, if the light emitted from the quarter-wave retardation layer 52 is incident so that the optical rotation direction is opposite to the winding direction of the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, the light shown in FIG. the liquid crystal layer as indicated by an arrow L ₁₆ in 39
Is transmitted through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, and this light is absorbed by the light absorbing layer 54 to show black.

On the other hand, when the light emitted from the quarter-wave retardation layer 52 is rotated and incident so that the optical rotation direction is the same as the winding direction of the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, , as indicated by an arrow L ₁₇ in FIG. 13, showing the white it is irregularly reflected by the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53 which is immobilized. In addition, in the liquid crystal display device of this example, since the micro color filter 40 is provided, color display is performed.

In other words, in the liquid crystal display device of the present example, similarly to the liquid crystal display device shown in the first embodiment, a quarter wavelength that is sequentially laminated on the back side of the pixel electrode 35 is arranged. The retardation layer 52, the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, and the light absorbing layer 54 function as a polarizing plate and a reflector, and the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 39 has passed through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53. In this case, this light is absorbed by the light absorbing layer 54 to show black, and when the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 39 cannot pass through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, the light is fixed. The cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53 thus diffused reflects the color to show white, a dark black display and a bright white display are obtained, high contrast is obtained, and high image quality is achieved.

Also, in the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment, similarly to the above-described sixth embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 39 is formed of a negative type of negative anisotropy containing a dichroic dye exhibiting black. It is a GH type liquid crystal which is a nematic liquid crystal. Since the alignment of liquid crystal molecules is not twisted unlike the conventionally used TN liquid crystal and STN liquid crystal, the response speed is fast, the viewing angle dependence is small, and the viewing angle is large. The image quality is also improved, and high image quality is achieved.

It is needless to say that the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment can achieve low power consumption because it is a reflection type.

As a tenth embodiment to which the present invention is applied,
A liquid crystal display device having a configuration substantially similar to that of the liquid display device according to the sixth embodiment is schematically illustrated in FIG. 14. Similarly to the liquid crystal display device according to the above-described sixth embodiment, the liquid crystal display device of this example also includes a transparent substrate 31 having a transparent electrode 33 on one main surface 31a side, and a plurality of pixel electrodes 35 on one main surface 34a. A counter substrate 34 having a switching element 36 for driving these pixel electrodes 35 is disposed at a predetermined interval so that the transparent electrode 33 and the pixel electrode 35 face each other. A liquid crystal layer 3 sandwiched between a pair of alignment films 37 and 38 in the thickness direction.
9 intervenes. The transparent substrate 31 and the transparent electrode 33 may be formed of the same material as in the first embodiment.

In the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment,
A micro color filter 40 is disposed between the transparent substrate 31 and the transparent electrode 33 on the one main surface 31 a side of the transparent substrate 31. This micro color filter 40 is shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, R, G,
B is a stripe arrangement.

On one counter substrate 34, switching element 36 is formed on one main surface 34a as described above, and pixel electrode 35 is formed so as to be connected thereto. More specifically, switching element 36 is formed on one main surface 34a, and resin layer 42 is formed so as to cover this.
Is formed on the liquid crystal layer 39 side of the resin layer 42, the transparent electrode layer 33 including the pixel electrode 35 is formed, the connection hole 44 is formed in the resin layer 42, and the transparent electrode By forming the layer 33, the pixel electrode 35 and the switching element 36 are connected.

Further, also in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 39 sandwiched in the thickness direction by the pair of alignment films 37 and 38 contains a dichroic dye exhibiting a black color and has a negative anisotropy. GH type liquid crystal which is a negative type nematic liquid crystal having the following formula: The pair of alignment films 37, 3
8 is made of polyimide or the like.

Switching element 3 of liquid crystal display device of this example
6 is configured similarly to the above-described first embodiment.

In the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment, in particular, as shown in FIG.
In other words, a quarter-wave retardation layer 52, an alignment film 56 for orienting the quarter-wave retardation layer 52, and a fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53 are sequentially stacked on the back side of the pixel electrode 35. In addition, a quarter-wave retardation layer 57 and a polarizing film 58 are sequentially laminated so as to sandwich the opposing substrate 34 and provided as a light absorbing layer. The connection hole 44 for connecting the switching element 36 and the pixel electrode 35 is formed so as to penetrate the quarter-wave retardation layer 52, the alignment film 56, and the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53. I have.

The liquid crystal display of this embodiment may be formed in substantially the same manner as the liquid crystal display of the sixth embodiment.

That is, in the liquid crystal display device of this example, the incident light enters the liquid crystal layer 39 and is emitted in a state of being converted into linearly polarized light or as it is depending on whether or not a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 39. The light enters the quarter-wave retardation layer 52.

At this time, when the light emitted from the quarter-wave retardation layer 52 is incident so that the optical rotation direction is opposite to the winding direction of the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, FIG. the liquid crystal layer as indicated by an arrow L ₁₈ in 39
Is transmitted through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, and this light is absorbed by the quarter-wave retardation layer 57 and the polarizing film 58 to show black.

On the other hand, when the light emitted from the quarter-wave retardation layer 52 is rotated and incident so that the optical rotation direction is the same as the winding direction of the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, As shown by arrows L ₁₈ and L ₂₀ in FIG. 14, the light is irregularly reflected by the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53 and shows white. In the liquid crystal display device of this example,
Since the micro color filter 40 is provided,
Color display is performed.

In other words, in the liquid crystal display device of the present example, as in the liquid crystal display device shown in the first embodiment, a quarter wavelength that is sequentially laminated on the back side of the pixel electrode 35 is arranged. The retardation layer 52, the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53, and the light absorbing layer 54 function as a polarizing plate and a reflector, and the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 39 has passed through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53. In this case, this light was absorbed by the quarter-wave retardation layer 57 and the polarizing film 58 to show black, and the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 39 could not pass through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53. In this case, this light is immobilized on the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53.
Will be diffusely reflected to show white, dark black display and bright white display will be made, high contrast is obtained,
High image quality is achieved.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the backlight 5 is provided behind the quarter-wave retardation layer 57 and the polarizing film 58 which are sequentially formed.
Preferably, 9 is provided. In this way, in a bright place, the quarter-wave retardation layer 57 and the polarizing plate 58 are used as a light absorbing layer as shown in FIG. It is possible to transmit the half-wave retardation layer 57 and the polarizing plate 58.

That is, as shown in FIG. 15, the light of the backlight 59 is transmitted to the polarizing film 58 and the quarter-wavelength layer 57.
After passing through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer 53 and the quarter-wave retardation layer 52, the light enters the liquid crystal layer 39, but the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules depends on whether or not a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 39. Depending on the direction, the light passes through the liquid crystal layer 39 as shown by arrows L ₂₁ and L ₂₂ in the drawing to show the same phenomenon as the above-mentioned reflection, or does not transmit through the liquid crystal layer 39 as shown by the arrow L ₂₃ in the drawing. Exhibit the same phenomenon as the absorption by the light absorbing layer. Therefore, the liquid crystal display device of this example can be used as a reflection type or a transmission type according to the brightness of the use environment, and high image quality is achieved.

Also, in the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment, similarly to the above-described sixth embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 39 is formed of a negative anisotropy containing a dichroic dye having a black color and having a negative anisotropy. It is a GH type liquid crystal which is a nematic liquid crystal. Since the alignment of liquid crystal molecules is not twisted unlike the conventionally used TN liquid crystal and STN liquid crystal, the response speed is fast, the viewing angle dependence is small, and the viewing angle is large. The image quality is also improved, and high image quality is achieved.

It is needless to say that the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment can be used as a reflection type device, so that low power consumption can be achieved.

In the examples described so far, examples in which a non-conductive one is used as a micro color filter have been described. Recently, however, a conductive color filter has been put on the market. For example, in an example of a reflective liquid crystal display device in which a micro color filter is in contact with a transparent electrode, the micro color filter can be used also as a transparent electrode.

Further, in the examples described so far, an example was described in which a negative nematic liquid crystal having negative anisotropy was used as the liquid crystal. However, as described above, a positive liquid crystal having positive anisotropy was used as the liquid crystal. It goes without saying that a nematic liquid crystal of the type can be used.

[0172]

As described above, in the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention, the transparent substrate on which the transparent electrode is formed, and the opposing substrate on which the plurality of pixel electrodes and the switching elements for driving these pixel electrodes are formed are provided. The transparent substrate and the counter substrate are arranged with a predetermined gap so that the transparent electrode and the pixel electrode are opposed to each other, and a liquid crystal layer is interposed in the gap and a back surface of the pixel electrode is provided. A quarter-wave retardation layer, a fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer and a light absorbing layer are sequentially disposed on the side, and a quarter-wave retardation layer sequentially disposed on the back side of the pixel electrode is provided. The layer, the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer and the light absorbing layer function like a polarizing plate and a reflecting plate. That is, when the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer is transmitted through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer, the light is absorbed by the light absorbing layer and shows black,
If the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer cannot pass through the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer, the light is irregularly reflected by the cholesteric liquid crystal layer and shows white, and a dark black display and a bright white display are produced. As a result, high contrast can be obtained, and high image quality can be achieved.

In the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, the liquid crystal layer is formed of a nematic liquid crystal, and a polarizing plate is disposed on the external light incident side. In particular, the nematic liquid crystal is formed of a negative type having a negative anisotropy. If a nematic liquid crystal is used, the response speed is fast, the viewing angle dependence is small, and the viewing angle is large because the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules is not twisted unlike the conventionally used TN liquid crystal and STN liquid crystal. The image quality is also good.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, if the liquid crystal layer is formed of guest-host liquid crystal, a polarizing plate on the side of external light incidence is not required, and quarters arranged sequentially on the back side of the pixel electrodes are provided. Since the one-wavelength retardation layer, the fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer, and the light absorbing layer function as a polarizing plate and a reflecting plate, the concentration of the dichroic dye in the guest-host liquid crystal can be relatively low. In addition, a dark black display and a bright white display are obtained even at a low density, and the reliability derived from the dye is increased.

At this time, if the liquid crystal of the guest-host liquid crystal is made to be a nematic liquid crystal, in particular, if it is made to be a negative nematic liquid crystal having negative anisotropy, a liquid crystal such as a conventionally used TN liquid crystal or STN liquid crystal is used. Since the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules is not twisted, the response speed is fast, the viewing angle dependence is small, the viewing angle is large, and the image quality is good.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention, the light absorbing layer is formed by the quarter-wave retardation layer and the polarizing plate, and the back side is provided behind the quarter-wave retardation layer and the polarizing plate. If a light is arranged, the quarter-wave retardation layer and the polarizing plate are used as a reflector in a bright place, and transmit the light of the backlight in a dark place, according to the brightness of the use environment. It can be used.

Further, in the reflection type liquid crystal display device of the present invention, the transparent substrate has a color filter.
Alternatively, if the opposing substrate is provided with a color filter, a reflective liquid crystal display device that performs color display can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing an example of a liquid crystal display device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing one example of a liquid crystal display device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of black and white display in a liquid crystal display device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing another example of the liquid crystal display device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing still another example of the liquid crystal display device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a main part showing still another example of the liquid crystal display device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing still another example of a liquid crystal display device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing still another example of the liquid crystal display device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing still another example of the liquid crystal display device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing still another example of the liquid crystal display device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view schematically showing still another example of the liquid crystal display device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view schematically showing still another example of the liquid crystal display device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing still another example of a liquid crystal display device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a principal part showing still another example of the liquid crystal display device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing still another example of a liquid crystal display device to which the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,31 transparent substrate, 2 polarizing plate, 3,33 transparent electrode, 4,34 counter substrate, 5,35 pixel electrode, 6,3
6 switching element, 7, 8, 37, 38 alignment film,
9,39 liquid crystal layer, 10,40 micro color filter, 22,27,52,57 quarter-wave retardation layer, 23,53 fixed cholesteric liquid crystal layer,
24, 34, 54 light absorbing layer, 28, 57 polarizing film

Claims (9)

[Claims] A transparent substrate on which a transparent electrode is formed; and a counter substrate on which a plurality of pixel electrodes and a switching element for driving the pixel electrodes are formed. The pixel electrodes are arranged with a predetermined gap so as to face each other, and a liquid crystal layer is interposed in this gap, and is fixed to a quarter-wave retardation layer on the back side of the pixel electrode. A liquid crystal display device comprising a cholesteric liquid crystal layer and a light absorbing layer sequentially arranged. 2. The liquid crystal layer comprises a nematic liquid crystal,
2. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein a polarizing plate is provided on the external light incident side. 3. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 2, wherein the nematic liquid crystal is a negative nematic liquid crystal having negative anisotropy. 4. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein said liquid crystal layer is made of a guest-host liquid crystal. 5. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 4, wherein the liquid crystal of the guest-host liquid crystal is a nematic liquid crystal. 6. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 5, wherein the nematic liquid crystal is a negative nematic liquid crystal having negative anisotropy. 7. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the transparent substrate or the opposing substrate includes a color filter. 8. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein said light absorbing layer is made of a light absorbing material. 9. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein said light absorbing layer comprises a quarter-wave retardation layer and a polarizing plate.